A 13.89 carat saltwater pearl — 15.26 ratti — at Rs. 41,250, about Rs. 2,970 per carat.

The one saltwater pearl in this collection, and the only one priced like it

This is the single stone here recorded as saltwater, listed as South Sea, and its rate reflects that: Rs. 2,970 per carat against Rs. 209 to Rs. 311 for every other pearl on these pages. Roughly ten times. That gap is the honest market difference between the two kinds of pearl, and it is worth understanding before you choose between them.

Saltwater against freshwater

A saltwater oyster typically carries one pearl at a time and takes years over it, which makes each one scarce. Freshwater mussels can carry dozens simultaneously and grow them faster. The practical differences show in the nacre: saltwater pearls tend to have thinner nacre over a larger nucleus but a sharper, more metallic lustre, while freshwater pearls are often solid nacre throughout but with a softer sheen.

South Sea material specifically comes from the largest oyster used for pearls, which is why South Sea pearls reach sizes the others cannot and why they sit at the top of the market.

What the photograph measures

Brightness reads 209 out of 255 at 3% saturation — a clean neutral white with no cream or rosé cast, and the high, tight lustre highlight you would expect from good nacre.

Care, which matters more at this price

Pearl is 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, the softest gem in ordinary use, and nacre is partly organic. It is dissolved by acid, which means perfume, hairspray, vinegar and sweat all attack it. Last on, first off. Wipe with a soft damp cloth after wearing and store it apart from harder stones — and not in a sealed box, since nacre can dry out and craze.

Never an ultrasonic cleaner, never steam, never a jewellery dip. Any of the three will strip nacre permanently, and nacre cannot be restored.

Treatment has not been tested on this pearl, which we record rather than describing it as untreated. No documented origin beyond the saltwater listing is held. Dimensions are not recorded yet; ask and we will measure.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural pearl, known in Urdu as Moti, with a weight of 13.89 Carat. Its price is Rs. 41,250 — roughly Rs. 2,970 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-00082 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Above twelve carats you are into collector territory. Pieces this heavy are usually set as pendants or kept loose, and they are prized for the size of rough they came from. If you do set it, choose a bezel or a heavy claw to protect the edges.

On the Mohs scale pearl rates 2.5 to 4.5. That makes it soft for a gemstone, better suited to pendants, earrings and rings for special occasions than to a daily ring. Keep it away from perfume, cleaning products, steam and ultrasonic cleaners, and polish it with a dry, soft cloth after wear.

Whoever you buy pearl from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every pearl for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Pearls (moti) are commonly bleached and polished; dyed colours are disclosed. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.